Baltimore still needs prayers. After the death of Freddie Gray, things have only gotten worse for the city in Maryland as they hit a milestone death rate. Read the full story after the jump.
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Three hundred deaths thus far and there’s only 365 days in the year. Let alone from being homicides, Baltimore has had their worst year since 1999 – the last time they recorded 300 homicides. In 2014, the city recorded 211 murders and the 200th homicide mark for this year, was crossed in August.
The 300th victim was a 27-year old man who was stabbed to death on Saturday night and later died that evening.
The homicide rate began to shoot up once civilians revolted against police force for taking the life of one of their own in Freddie Gray – a black man who succumbed to injuries from police custody. The month of his death, the city recorded 42 murders with the homicide rate beginning to fluctuate, recording 29 in June and than back up to 45 in July. It was the bloodiest month in the city’s history since 1972.
Police Commissioner Kevin Davis shared his thoughts on reaching the city’s unfortunate milestone:
“It’s important to pause and vow to continue our collective fight to find a better path forward. This challenging moment shall pass if we reject blame and embrace the hope, dreams, and promise of a great American city. Baltimore will win again, 2015 will not define us, and the nation will once again see our City for the determination that has long defined us.”
As the death toll continues to climb and fight it’s ongoing battle from within, the city is hopeful for a full turn around and to change their course in history.
